Sligo Leitrim events to mark HSE National Breastfeeding Week 2023

Supports for mothers beginning breastfeeding and for those who wish to continue on their return to work and beyond are being highlighted ahead of HSE National Breastfeeding Week 2023, which begins on Sunday, October 1.  

This year’s theme is ‘Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly’. It aims to highlight local supports for parents and the recent expansion in law of breastfeeding breaks during work hours up until to a child’s second birthday. Parents can get tips on continuing breastfeeding and going back to work and chat with a breastfeeding expert on mychild.ie 

Recent initiatives to help support breastfeeding include:  

35.5 new lactation and infant feeding posts recruited in the last 3 years. There are now 57 lactation and infant feeding staff members nationwide to provide specialist support in all maternity and public health nursing services. This represents a doubling of lactation consultant posts employed in the HSE since 2021.  
In July, the government extended the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks in the workplace from the previous period of six months up to two years. 
 

The number of babies being breastfed is continuing to grow. New HSE figures for 2022 show that 62% of babies were breastfed when the public health nurse made their first visit after birth. The figure was 59% in 2021. In 2017, it was 55% and has been rising since then.  

A number of events will be held in Sligo Leitrim to mark the week. 

Patricia Carroll, HSE Lactation Consultant Sligo Leitrim said “I have trained in the use of therapeutic ultrasound and photobiomodulation and I am providing this service to mothers who need it. These treatments are very effective for engorgement, mastitis and painful damaged nipples. 

“I have collaborated with the senior ENT consultant and the lactation consultant in Sligo University Hospital to set up a very effective screening and referral pathway for babies who have tongue tie. They are seen very quickly and go on to have a successful breastfeeding journey. 

“In the coming year, I hope to set up more community support groups where mothers can support and encourage each other to have a successful breastfeeding experience, I also would like to see more education provided to health care providers dealing with mothers and babies and I think we need to educate the younger members of the public in our schools and colleges so that breastfeeding will become the norm and this will result in a healthier population.” 

Events taking place in Sligo Leitrim; 

Topic; “Celebrating our Breastfeeding Journeys” photography exhibition  

Guest speaker Dr Maria Tempany  

Where; Mohill Friends of Breastfeeding, Mohill Library, Castle St, Mohill, Co Leitrim N41HP29 

When; Wednesday 4th October 10am-12md 

Contact; Aisling 0874622943 

To book a seat go to:https://www.eventbrite.ie/ e/celebrate-our-breastfeeding- journies-nbw-23-tickets- 716503680797 

Coffee morning  

Where; Sligo Family Resource Centre  

When; Thursday 5th 10.30am-12md 

Contact: Liz King Family Resource Centre 0719146315  

We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim Launch  

Keynote address; Hildegarde Naughton, TD Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy 

Where; Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon 

When; Thursday October 5th at 10am 

Contact; Lorraine Mulvey 086 1529841  

Coffee morning get together – all welcome  

Where; Ballinamore Primary Care centre Co Leitrim 

When; Monday 2nd October 10.30am- 

Spot prizes on the day Contact Imelda 0719644355 

Specialist Breastfeeding Clinic-  

Where; Sligo, Ballymote, Carrick-on-Shannon 

When; by appointment 

Patricia Carroll 0872104077  

Support for parents is also available on the HSE’s mychild.ie, including: 

The ask our breastfeeding expert live chat and e-mail breastfeeding support service, available 7 days a week 
Practical advice across a wide range of breastfeeding and other topics 
A local breastfeeding support group finder where you can meet other parents and get advice

To join the HSE parenting and breastfeeding community, follow for expert tips, videos and updates on the HSE mychild.ie Facebook page and hse_mychild on Instagram #hsemychild #breastfeeding #breastfeedingweek